According to Lockport Mayor Michael Tucker, the fire is being investigated as a possible arson. He tells 2 On Your Side a city worker spotted smoke coming from a window around one o'clock and saw three teens running from the building.

Tucker said the building has been vacant for about five years and that the city has repeatedly tried to take it down, but was met with resistance by local preservation concerns. As a result of the heavy damage caused by Tuesday's mutual aid fire, it will now have to be demolished.